2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Archdiocese of Dubuque
Archbishop Jerome Hanus
Previous Audit Conducted 10/6
–10/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 12/13-17/2004.
The Archdiocese has a policy on the
prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The Archdiocese provides
outreach designed to offer pastoral care to victims/survivors and their
families. The Archbishop or his representative has met with, or offered to
meet with all victims/survivors who have reported allegations of abuse
since the last compliance audit. The Archbishop or his delegate has
directed outreach to all faith communities in which the sexual abuse
occurred. The Archdiocese has a mechanism in place to respond promptly to
any allegation where there is reason to believe that sexual abuse of a
minor occurred.
The Archdiocese has a victim assistance
coordinator, Dr.Tom Anderegg, Ph.D who is a licensed psychotherapist, as
well as three additional victim assistance coordinators, Ms. Joan Hoffman,
Ms. Maureen Oates, and Sr. Eileen McGovern. The Archdiocese established a
Review Board which consists of 11 members. The members include two
psychotherapists, an attorney, a prosecuting attorney, an educator, a
social worker, a nurse, a protestant minister, an education administrator,
a superintendent of Catholic schools who is also a priest, and the
promoter of justice. The Board serves as a confidential consultative body
to the Archbishop.
The procedures for making a complaint of abuse
are readily available in printed form, and are the subject of periodic
public announcements. The Archdiocese has not entered into any
confidentiality agreements during the audit period, however at the request
of a victim entered into a agreement with some confidentiality clauses.
The
Archdiocese would have reported all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor
to public authorities however there were none since the last compliance
audit. The Archdiocese complies with all applicable civil laws with
respect to the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil
authorities. The Archdiocese has established effective liaison with civil
authorities, ensuring that an open dialogue regarding sexual abuse
allegations will occur. The Archdiocese cooperates with public authorities
about reporting in cases when the person is no longer a minor. In all
instances, the Archdiocese advises victims/survivors of their right to
report allegations of abuse by a member of the clergy to civil
authorities.
When an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by a
priest or deacon is received, a preliminary investigation, in harmony with
canon law, is initiated. If a preliminary investigation so indicates, the
Archdiocese notifies the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith and
applies the precautionary measures mentioned in CIC, canon 1722, or CCEO,
canon 1473. When accusations against a priest or a deacon are proven to be
unfounded, the Archdiocese takes steps to restore the good name of the
priest or deacon.
When sexual abuse of a minor by a priest or a
deacon is admitted or established after an appropriate process in accord
with canon law, the diocesan policies provide that the offending priest or
deacon be permanently removed from ministry. The Archdiocese offers
professional assistance to offending priests or deacons.
In every
case involving canonical penalties, the processes provided for in canon
law are observed. Accused clergy are encouraged to retain the assistance
of civil and canonical counsel. When necessary, the Archdiocese supplies
canonical counsel to a priest or deacon.
If the penalty of
dismissal from the clerical state has not been applied, the Archdiocese
directs the offender to lead a life of prayer and penance. The Archdiocese
does not allow the offender to celebrate Mass publicly, to administer the
sacraments, or to present himself publicly as a priest.
The
Archdiocese has established clear and well-publicized standards of
ministerial behavior for priests and deacons. A communications policy is
in effect which reflects the Archbishop's pledge to be open and
transparent on issues regarding the sexual abuse of children. The
Archdiocese does assist and support all parish communities directly
affected by ministerial misconduct involving minors.
The Archdiocese has fully implemented a
"safe environment" education program. The educational programs for
children are “Good Touch/Bad Touch”, “Take Charge of Your Body” and the
program entitled “Children and Adolescents Protection Program” is being
incorporated into the existing program: the educational program for
parents is entitled “Virtus.” Parents are scheduled to be trained in the
educational program called “Children and Adolescents Protection Program”
which has a curriculum specifically for parents; the educational program
for ministers, educators and others is the Virtus program. The Archdiocese
has clear and well publicized standards of conduct for persons in
positions of trust with regard to sexual abuse. The Archdiocese conducts
background evaluations for all diocesan and parish personnel who have
regular contact with minors, using appropriate law enforcement resources
where permissible. The Archdiocese employs adequate screening and
evaluative techniques in deciding the fitness of candidates for
ordination.
The Archdiocese has not transferred any priest or
deacon who has had a credible allegation of sexual abuse made against him
to another ministerial assignment since the last audit. The Archdiocese
has not transferred any priest or deacon who has had a credible allegation
of sexual abuse made against him to another Archdiocese for residence
since the last audit.
The Archbishop, or his designee, has
coordinated with major superiors of men with a presence in the Archdiocese
concerning addressing the issue of allegations of sexual abuse of minors
by clergy. The Archdiocese has not had the opportunity to participate in
research with other institutions in the area of sexual abuse. The
Archdiocese has developed a systematic ongoing formation program in
keeping with the Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of
Priests.
At the conclusion of this
compliance audit, the Archdiocese was found to be compliant with all
articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young
People.